Dry Eye Symptoms, Severity, Treatment And Unmet Needs: An Analysis Of The United States Of America And A Multinational Snapshot

The chronic symptoms of dry eye cause significant morbidity, yet the precise impact of dry eye remains unclear, with global prevalence estimates ranging from 5–50%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, impact, and perception of self- and physician-diagnosed dry eye in a multinational adult population, starting with an analysis of US adults. Objectives included evaluating the burden of dry eye symptoms on daily life, assessing current treatment practices and eye care/health care provider (ECP/HCP) interactions, and identifying distinct subgroups of dry eye sufferers based on treatment needs, satisfaction, and preferences.

This study includes a completed analysis of US adults (≥18 years old) who frequently experience eye dryness and/or have been diagnosed with dry eye disease (DED) by an HCP. An ongoing multinational, two-phase, retrospective cross-sectional quantitative survey is being conducted in adults from the UK, France, Germany, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. Phase I surveyed a general adult population (with/without dry eye symptoms), while Phase II focuses on those experiencing regular dry eye symptoms.

The US study was conducted via 10-minute online surveys from April 15–23, 2024, with data weighted to reflect the US adult population (e.g., by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region). In the multinational study, Phase I took place January 5–7, 2025, while Phase II is scheduled for June 6–30, 2025. Phase II data will be weighted by age and gender to reflect dry eye sufferers within the general population. Eligible participants were identified via a screening questionnaire and provided informed consent. All surveys were completed electronically via a secure weblink. De-identified responses were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Of the 2,003 US respondents (461 sufferers, 1,542 non-sufferers), 17% had ECP-diagnosed DED/chronic dry eye. Overall, eye dryness frequently affected 50% (15% always/often); 80% experienced symptoms (eg, fatigue, itching, watering; 98% of sufferers, 74% of non-sufferers). Across symptoms, >50% (35–75%) were very/extremely bothered, with reading, device use, and driving the most-commonly disrupted activities. 70% lacked knowledge of treatment options; 40% were unaware that untreated dry eye can cause other eye problems/vision loss. Routine visits to an ECP were rare; ~25% visited ≤2-yearly. 67% of DED sufferers waited ≥6 months to see an ECP, 31% waited ≥2 years. Interim data from the multinational study appear similar and will be explored.

These findings highlight the widespread impact of dry eye in a large US population, where ~50% of adults experience symptoms, yet fewer than half receive a diagnosis that could inform treatment. Key unmet needs include patient education on the causes, consequences, and treatment options for dry eye, as well as the importance of regular ECP visits. Further exploration of similar trends in European and Middle Eastern populations will enhance our understanding of the global burden of dry eye.